Hello, welcome to this hall. In this article we are going to be looking at the system of agriculture, types of systems of agriculture and characteristics.
Table Of Contents
- System of agriculture
- Types of systems of agriculture
- Characteristics of system of agriculture.
- Revision Questions for students
Systems of Agriculture vary globally, ranging from traditional subsistence farming to modern industrial agriculture. Factors like climate, geography, and technology influence these systems. Sustainable practices, crop rotation, and precision farming are emerging trends.
Read Also
- Types of agriculture, characteristics and branches of agriculture
- List of Agricultural Raw Materials and thier products
- Meaning And Importance of Agriculture
TYPES OF SYSTEMS OF AGRICULTURE
Peasant farming: Peasant farming is one of the Types of System of Agriculture, often associated with small-scale, family-run agriculture, involves limited resources and traditional methods. Farmers typically cultivate small plots for personal consumption, emphasizing self-sufficiency. It’s prevalent in developing regions, contributing significantly to local food production and livelihoods.
Characteristics of Peasant farming system
- Crude implements like cutlass, hoe etc are usually employed.
- There is usually little or none left for sale.
- It requires small capital to operate.
- Food crops like rice, yam and maize are manly grown.
- It requires a small area of land.
- Family labour is usually employed
- The yield obtained from such small farm is usually low.
Plantation Farming
Plantation farming is a large-scale agricultural system focused on cultivating cash crops such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, or rubber. Typically associated with tropical regions, plantations involve extensive land, a specialized workforce, and often use mechanized equipment. The production is primarily for export, and it has historical connections to colonial economies.
Characteristics of Plantation farming
- It requires a large area of land
- It requires huge capital investment
- Only one crop is cultivated
- It requires the use of machine like tractors, plough etc.
- Harvest or yield is usually great
- It may be owned by government, private individuals or corporate bodies.
- Output or yield is mainly for sale.
Mechanized Systems Of Agriculture
Mechanized farming involves the use of machinery and advanced technology for various agricultural activities. Tractors, combines, and automated equipment streamline tasks like planting, harvesting, and irrigation. This system enhances efficiency, increases productivity, and is common in industrialized agriculture where large-scale operations benefit from mechanization.
Characteristics of mechanized system of Farming
- It requires a large area of land
- Complex and modern equipment like tractor, sprayers and ploughs are used.
- It requires huge capital investment.
- It requires special marketing strategies
- Pest and diseases are usually controlled
- It requires special skills and technical education or labour
- Storage and processing facilities are required
- Production is mainly for sale
- It is mostly practiced by very rich farmers, companies and governments.
Co-operative farming system of Agriculture: Co-operative farming involves a group of farmers pooling resources, labour, and land to collectively manage agricultural activities. This collaborative approach enables members to share costs, access better facilities, and collectively market their produce. Cooperative farming aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of small-scale farmers by providing them with collective strength and shared benefits
Characteristics of co-operative farming
- It is a union of farmers
- They enjoy certain incentive from government e.g. land, reduced cast of inputs.
- They may produce one type of crop or livestock
- It has organized markets for their products.
- Output is high because of resources put together by the farmers.
Other types includes:
Organic Farming Systems Of Agriculture: Avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in organic Farming.
Characteristics of organic farming
- No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are used.
- Rotating crops and cultivating diverse plant species help maintain soil fertility and prevent pests.
- Emphasis on building and maintaining soil health through composting, cover cropping, and organic matter.
Mixed Farming Types of Systems Of Agriculture: Integrates crop cultivation and livestock rearing on the same farm to enhance overall productivity.
Characteristics of mixed Farming
- Involves a combination of crop cultivation and animal husbandry to diversify agricultural activities.
- Crops and livestock complement each other, with the waste from one part of the operation benefiting another (e.g., using animal manure as fertilizer for crops).
- Efficient use of resources, as animal by-products and crop residues can be recycled within the system.
- Enhances long-term sustainability by maintaining soil fertility, reducing dependence on external inputs, and promoting ecological balance.
Agroforestry types of system of Agriculture
Combines tree cultivation with traditional agriculture, providing environmental benefits like soil conservation and biodiversity.
Characteristics Of Agroforestry
- It combines trees or shrubs with crops or livestock, promoting a synergistic relationship between them.
- Agroforestry systems often involve a mix of different plant species, creating a more resilient and biodiverse environment.
Intensive Systems Of Agriculture: Involves maximizing output from a limited land area through high inputs like labor, fertilizers, and machinery.
Characteristics of intensive agriculture
- Characteristics of intensive agriculture include high input usage (fertilizers, pesticides), advanced technology adoption, increased crop yields per unit area, shorter crop cycles, and often monoculture practices. This approach aims to maximize productivity but may pose sustainability challenges.
Extensive Systems Of Agriculture: Utilizes large land areas with lower inputs per unit of land. Common in regions with abundant land resources.
Characteristics of extensive System
- Extensive farming operations cover extensive land areas to accommodate low-density livestock or large-scale crop cultivation.
- Minimal use of inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery compared to intensive farming.
Commercial System Of Agriculture: Focused on selling products for profit, often involving large-scale production and modern technologies.
Characteristics of Commercial Agriculture
- Key characteristics of commercial agriculture include large-scale production, profit orientation, use of advanced technology, specialized crops or livestock, market-driven decisions, and a focus on efficiency and productivity.
Let me conclude by saying that the choice of system of agriculture depends on factors such as climate, soil, available resources, and socio-economic considerations. Each system has its advantages and challenges, influencing the overall sustainability and productivity of agriculture in a given place.
Revision Questions
- What Is the meaning of System of Agriculture?
- What are the characteristics of systems of agriculture?
- List and explain the types of systems of agriculture.
- State the characteristics of intensive system and extensive system of Agriculture.